Three restaurants across the North East have been named in the UK's Top 100 for 2024 list, curated by SquareMeal.

The food experts said the list of the best restaurants “forms the backbone of what we represent as a brand."

Claiming the impressive top spot is Pine, an old cow shed nestled in the Northumberland countryside.

SquareMeal commented: “Top spot in this year’s Top 100 UK Restaurants list goes to Pine in Northumberland - a restaurant that perfectly encapsulates those characteristics.

“A renovated Northumberland cow barn isn’t somewhere you’d ordinarily expect to find the UK’s best restaurant, but Pine is far from ordinary.

“Staunchly attached to sustainable principles, chefs Cal Byerley and Ian Waller embrace boundless creativity and techniques from all over the world to create exciting new flavours and dishes.”

Speaking about the top 100 list, SquareMeal explained: “It’s a chance for us to shout about the best-of-the-best in both emerging and established culinary roles and allows us to celebrate the incredible chefs and hospitality teams out there going above and beyond to give their diners top-class experiences.

“We say it every year, but this year truly must have presented the highest calibre of restaurants yet.

“Whittling down the UK’s burgeoning dining scene into just 100 top spots was an excruciating job that took months of planning and deliberation by both our team, and you, our readers.

“Despite incredibly tough economic circumstances, our homegrown hospitality professionals have overcome it all and managed to deliver top-class experiences for diners, with flair, ingenuity and individuality.”

They added: “Each of the top 100 results are a unique combination of our own in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes.

“It’s this dual approach that makes our list incomparable, representing not only our professional opinion but thousands of real-life experiences that help to reinforce and bolster our final decisions.”

3 North East restaurants named in the UK’s Top 100 for 2024

Pine (1st place) - East Wallhouses, Northumberland, NE18 0LL

Tripadvisor rating: 5/5

One recent visitor posted this review: “An amazing experience. Couldn’t fault a thing. The staff created an atmosphere that was casual but professional which meant you could relax and enjoy the outstanding food and wine. Staff were incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the restaurant.”

Solstice (15th place) - 5-7 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 3JE

Tripadvisor rating: 5/5

“Incredible experience from start to finish. The food & service were amazing! Every dish was flawless, we struggled to choose a favourite! Definitely one of the best Michelin star restaurants I’ve been too,” said this customer.

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Hjem (33rd place) - The Hadrian Hotel, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4EE

Tripadvisor rating: 5/5

This person said: “From start to finish the 14 different dishes were outstanding.

“They provided variety, creativity, and most importantly they were very flavoursome.

“The wine pairings were interesting and a complement to the food. A thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.”